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| North Carolina State Parks During the COVID-19 Pandemic © Katrena |
North Carolina State Parks have provided outdoor activities since 1915 with the establishment of Mount Mitchell State Park. By the summer of 2020, the park system has expanded to 41 state parks, recreation areas, and natural areas. Each is unique in history, ecology, and amenities.
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| Hanging Rock State Park © Katrena |
I'm writing this article on July 1, 2020, a year that will be remembered for generations to come as the world has been shaken by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many stores have closed or gone curbside while school instruction has gone virtual. There's one thing for certain - there is a lot of uncertainty and the theme of the day is to roll with it and make changes as needed.
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| Lake Norman State Park © Katrena |
So, what about the state parks? Initially after the pandemic hit, state park trails were open but the bathrooms were closed. My crew decided not to visit the parks during that time since we don't live particularly close to any state park and didn't particularly like the thought of going out in the woods. Kudos to the hard-core hikers and bikers who packed a shovel.
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| Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve © Katrena |
As restrictions were eased and bathrooms were opened at the state parks, my family has traveled to quite a few state parks in the spring and summer of 2020. Keep in mind that what we found on our visits may be different that what you will find.
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| Jones Lake State Park © Katrena |
Some restrooms may be closed at the state parks. For example, the visitor center at Carolina Beach State Park was closed, but the marina bathrooms were open. Hanging Rock State Park's visitor center and bathrooms were closed, but flushable bathrooms were open beyond at shelter 3 (this one involves a short hike and multiple steps to navigate) and at the lake. Upon arrival at a state park, I would recommend looking to see which bathrooms are open before you or your kids have an urgent need.
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| Carnivorous Plants at Carolina Beach State Park © Katrena |
Restrictions are handed down by the governor of North Carolina, and I think North Carolina State Parks has done a great job of keeping everyone informed via their web site and have posted announcements on Facebook when capacity is reached at various parks to help people better plan their day.
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| Carolina Beach State Park © Katrena |
We have only traveled to state parks on weekdays because some of the parks have reached newly mandated capacities for guests by 10 a.m. and we wanted to visit the parks when they were less crowded. If you plan to visit on a weekend, I would highly recommend checking Facebook first.
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| Boardwalk at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area © Katrena |
So, what did we do? My family has traveled to state parks to hike. We have arrived at various parks at different times of the day, depending on our agenda. On weekdays, we have found the parks not to be crowded. We were the only people hiking in some areas of the parks, but when we've seen other hikers, we have waved from a distance and said hello. We've stopped to talk with some hikers while maintaining physical distance on the trail.
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| Armstrong Cannon at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area © Katrena |
We did not wear masks while hiking but have packed masks in fanny packs in case we happen to end up in a crowd of people where social distancing would be impossible.
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| Boardwalk at Lake Waccamaw State Park © Katrena |
We have packed a picnic and have eaten at many state parks during this time. Some parks have picnic tables available, but those with overcrowding issues have removed all picnic tables. You might opt to sit on a big rock, on the ground, on a deck, or in a vehicle.
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| Lake Waccamaw State Park © Katrena |
We also camped overnight at one state park and used the communal bathhouse. I would recommend wearing a mask in any enclosed space with a plan to limit time in those areas and to be vigilant with hand hygiene. If you have your own restroom facilities, that would be safer.
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| Chalk Banks Access at Lumber River State Park © Katrena |
When we visited the state parks, they were not offering official ranger talks or group activities, but we occasionally saw a ranger and spoke with them from a distance while out on the trails. Boat and bike rentals were on hold. Group swimming was on hold. Museums and indoor exhibits were closed. All of that can and will change due to state health regulations, so check the
North Carolina State Parks web site for the latest closures.
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| Singletary Lake State Park © Katrena |
I recommend packing plenty of water, sunscreen, bug spray, a first aid kit, and comfortable shoes and clothes. Water fountains may not be available, and stores with supplies may also be closed. As with any time, plan to pack your trash until you get to a trashcan - this can help protect the safety of other guests as well as employees of the parks.
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| Gob at Weymouth Woods Sandhills Natural Preserve © Katrena |
Did my family feel safe at North Carolina State Parks? Yes. We are enjoying the natural beauty of the great outdoors. We are investing time together and making memories. We are learning new things as we read the outdoor educational stations at the parks. And we'll keep visiting and hiking as long as they are open. I made all of these photos of state parks during our hiking trips in the spring and summer of 2020.
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| Paved Hiking Trail at Lake Norman State Park © Katrena |
I want to give a shout out to all those who work for North Carolina State Parks. Many are working with skeleton crews. Cleaning standards have increased. Many employees miss what's closed as much as those who visit the parks. Those who have extra funds might consider a donation to state parks, local parks, national parks, etc. during this difficult time. Hang in there. We'll get through this together!
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| Tory's Den Cave at Hanging Rock State Park © Katrena |
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